Omar Mukhtar - Lion of the Desert

Movie
German title	Omar Mukhtar - Lion of the Desert
Original title	Omar Mukhtar - Lion of the Desert
Country of production	United States , Libya
original language	English
Publishing year	1980
length	206 minutes
Rod
Director	Moustapha Akkad
script	HAL Craig
production	Moustapha Akkad
music	Maurice Jarre
camera	Jack Hildyard
cut	John Shirley
occupation
Anthony Quinn : Omar Mukhtar Oliver Reed : Gen. Rodolfo Graziani Irene Papas : Mabrouka Rod Steiger : Benito Mussolini Raf Vallone : Colonel Diodiece John Gielgud : Sharif El Gariani Andrew Keir : Salem Gastone Moschin : Tomelli Lino Capolicchio : Captain Bedendo Stefano Patrizi : Sandrini Adolfo Lastretti : Sarsani Sky Dumont : Prince Amadeo Takis Emmanuel : Bu-Matari Rodolfo Bigotti : Ismail Robert Brown : Al Fadeel Eleonora Stathopoulou : Ali's mother Luciano Bartoli : Captain Lontano Claudio Gora : presiding judge Giordano Falzoni : judge in the camp Franco Fantasia : Graziani's adjutant Ihab Werfaly : Ali

Omar Mukhtar - Lion of the Desert (original title: Omar Mukhtar - Lion of the Desert ) is a historical film by Moustapha Akkad , shot in 1979 on behalf of the Libyan government , which critically deals with the Italian occupation of Libya in the first half of the 20th century. The central figure represents the freedom fighter Umar al-Muchtar , who was executed by the Italian colonial rulers in 1931. The film was banned in Italy for a long time.

action

In 1929, the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini is still facing the 20-year long war waged by patriots in Libya who want to stop the Italians. Mussolini appoints General Rodolfo Graziani as his sixth governor for Libya, confident that Graziani will put down the rebellion. Omar Mukhtar leads the resistance against the Italians. A teacher by profession, guerrilla fighter by engagement, Mukhtar has committed himself to a war that cannot be won. The film ends with Mukhtar's capture and execution .

background

The film was financed by Libyan head of state Muammar al-Gaddafi . The cost of production was $ 35 million. The Italian authorities banned the film in 1982. The then Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti said: “harmful to the honor of the army”. The film was first shown on Italian television on June 11, 2009, during Gaddafi's official visit to Italy.

criticism

Film historian Stuart Galbraith IV wrote of the film that it provides fascinating insight into an aspect of Arab culture and that it deserves respect. Alex von Tunzelmann thought the film was a little too long, but praised the portrayal of Italian colonialism and resistance.

Critic Vincent Canby wrote, "Spectacular and great battle scenes."

Clint Morris called the film a great epic adventure.

Web links

• Omar Mukhtar - Lion of the Desert in the Internet Movie Database (English)
• Omar Mukhtar - Lion of the Desert at Rotten Tomatoes (English)

Individual evidence

1. ^ Lion of the Desert: 25th Anniversary Edition , Review by Stuart Galbraith IV, dvdtalk.com, December 7, 2005
2. ^ Lion of the Desert roars for Libya's rebels , The Guardian , Alex von Tunzelmann, June 30, 2011.
3. ↑ LION OF THE DESERT, BEDOUIN VS. MUSSOLINI , New York Times, April 17, 1981
4. ^ Film Threat , July 8, 2010, review by Clint Morris